NATURAL vs ORGANIC

The term “organic” can only be used on products that are grown and produced
without pesticides, and other harmful chemicals. Products that host the USDA Organic
Seal are produced under the high standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
There is no legal definition of what the term “natural” means. Natural foods
can include organic foods, but not all natural foods are organic. Look for products with
the USDA Organic seal and you’ll be making the right choice for your health and the
environment.

WHAT IS ORGANIC?

‘Organic’ refers to how food is produced. Organic food is produced by
farmers whose production systems avoid the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers,
pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives. Organic farming systems
utilize biological methods such as crop rotation, crop residues, animal manures and mechanical
cultivation to maintain soil productivity and tilth, to supply plant nutrients, and to control
weeds, insects and other pests. All organic foods are required to be certified under an
organic certification program. Organic farmers place a greater consideration of the
impact of the farming system on the wider environment inclusive of wildlife conservation as
well as public health. Organic agricultural practices hold great promise toward
remedying the negative effects of global warming. Here’s four examples how:
Use of farm-yard manure, green manures, and cover cropping methods keep soils nutrient-rich,
improve soil structure, restore organic matter (making for quicker nutrient uptake), maintain
and/or increases soil fertility, and increase soil moisture retention all of which enables
the farming ecosystem to better self-regulate. The complete exclusion of synthetics in
the farming operation (herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer, etc.) eliminates high-maintenance
soils and crops, and subsequently lowers levels of CO2 and associated GHGs released into the
atmosphere, while simultaneously lowering nitrate leaching rates and removing risks of ground
and surface water pollution. With respect to usage of non-renewable energy resources,
organic methods of agriculture use far less direct and indirect energy sources (fuel, oil and
synthetic chemical applications respectively). Combating resource depletion, organic
methods increase the biodiversity of flora and fauna, contribute to integrated pest management
efforts (natural pest control), as well as shape aesthetic landscape values.

5 REASONS TO GO ORGANIC

Organic food tastes amazing! Organic food tastes better than conventional because
it’s not coated with chemical residues from pesticides and fertilizers.
Organic food, which often times is synonymous with local food, optimizes time by allowing
food to grow at a natural pace in the garden or field. This coupled with a shorter
farm to market distance ratio than means fresher food as well.

Organic food is healthy! Organic food on average contains higher Vitamin C
(powerful antioxidant) levels as well as higher levels of calcium, magnesium, iron, and
chromium. The bioavailability of nutrients in organic foods is at a greater level
than that of conventional.

Organics are better for the environment! Organic production systems do not allow
the use of chemical fertilizers which pollute our rivers and streams. Instead,
organic production systems utilize composted manure and leguminous cover crops in
rotation with cash crops to naturally feed nitrogen to the soil.

Organics support communities! For small farmers, organic agriculture has offered
an alternative market where organically grown food commands a fair price. Workers
on organic farms have reduced exposure to harsh cancer causing chemicals.

Organic products are free of hidden-costs! While the consumer may pay a premium at
the check-out counter for organic products as opposed to conventional products, the
consumer pays more for what isn’t in the product: the hidden costs of conventional
include the millions of dollars tax payers pay each year for chemicals in drinking water
due to pesticide practices in conventional farming.